What's in Your Head?

Here are some things I've been listening to, and thinking about, of late.

Herbie Hancock, Blow-Up Soundtrack. The ground-breaking 1966 Antonioni film is fascinating-though often frustrating-but the music is just straight-up cool. Hancock and his ensemble stretched themselves, providing not only cutting-edge jazz but also mellow loungy music, blues, latin-influenced jazz, and even a couple of funky rock & roll pieces that crackle. (The intro bass from "Bring Down the Birds" served as the anchor of Dee-Lite's "Groove is in the Heart.")

Sandalwood, Sandalwood Sitar Music Ensemble. Beguiling Indian instrumental music from a Chicago-area husband and wife duo.

Sheila Chandra, This Sentence is True (The Previous Sentence is False). The latest (well, 2001 anyway) CD from the British singer of Indian descent is familiar and new at the same time. Following her classic approach of vocals laid over instrumental drones, Chandra and her longtime producer Steve Coe also successfully integrate digital recording techniques into the mix. Most of this is fascinating, and I've been coming back to it since its release.

Four Seasons, "C'mon Marianne." A classic Motown-type record with a few critical pieces rearranged. Sort of like walking around in the dark in a room after you've slightly altered the furniture.

Booker T. and the MGs: "Green Onions." It's arguable that the world is divided into those who worship at the feet of this record and those who don't.

Monkees, Head soundtrack. I've been reacquainting myself with this great late 60s film on DVD, and the soundtrack makes fantastic listening; assembled by Jack Nicholson (!), who helped write the script, it seamlessly combines the six soundtrack songs with bits of dialogue to create a trip of its own.

Also, a couple of fun links, courtesy of friends.

AMO sends along the advertising sloganizer. Very funny.

Jonathan sends the interesting tricks of the trade site.
Wanna know, f'rinstance, how to chill wine quickly?

...and there's also the very funny "Black Astronauts" film recommended by Frank Kras.

And a lovely opening day baseball piece from McSweeney's, courtesy of brother Tom as well as Phil Rogers.

Peace...love...etc.

Stu